The Reasons Car Spare Key Is More Tougher Than You Imagine
Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if you've lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to get your coffee, the loss of keys to cars can happen. Keep a spare car key and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines which can copy house keys, as well as keys for cars and key fobs. For more information and the latest key prices, visit their website.
Valet Keys
Valet keys are a type of car key that permits the vehicle to be driven but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or glove box. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of customers. However they can also be employed by a private party to get into the car in the event that the owner's remote key fob battery fails.
The primary reason to use a valet key is to prevent theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on joy rides. The valet key serves as an effective deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car's glovebox or in the boot.
Modern valet keys preserve the original functions of lock keys from the past. They can still open the door to the driver's side but not the trunk or console lock. Certain luxury cars include security features by limiting power output. This prevents the vehicle from starting with the key unless the engine has been turned off.
These features are a good start, but the valet key comes with shortcomings. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and are able to open them with the use of a crowbar. Certain keys for valet also have less secure locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In some cases valet keys may not function as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key could stop working abruptly and the owner could require an locksmith to get it replaced. In the case of a malfunctioning key it is crucial to have an extra.
If you're in the need of a new car key or have lost your Attendant Key go to your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. It is helpful to have the year and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle in hand when you visit to get an replacement.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges and are easy for locksmiths make. They don't have transponders and don't require encoders. They are made from nickel or brass and are therefore more durable. They also can endure rough handling and severe use.
A spare key can save you the hassle of having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. It is a good idea to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so that it is easy to locate. You can leave it with a family member who you can trust to drive your car if you get locked out.
Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable costs. They typically have a machine called KeyMe where you can easily make copies of your standard keys within minutes. You can find a store near you by visiting their website. Some of them make key fobs to push button start cars.
It is best to make a call prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also visit their website to see the kinds of keys they can create. Some may not be able to make keys for high-security locks, therefore you'll need to visit a locksmith in these cases.
If you have an electronic key, you'll need to get a replacement from the dealer. They'll need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new one for you. They will require evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to prove that.
If get a spare car key have a conventional key you can visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both will be able make an exchange key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate the key you have or provide you with a blank, programmable key. You'll have to know the year and make and model of your car to be able to get an extra key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. When the key is turned on the microchip emits an unintentional signal. The signal is a digital serial number that is matched with the key's code in the car's computer system. When the correct code is found the immobilizer system of your car disarms and allows the engine to begin.
Transponder keys aren't only more secure, they also make it harder to duplicate keys for cars. In fact, certain cars will not start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). This is why they are the preferred option if you want to reduce the likelihood that your car is stolen or duplicated.
If you lose your car transponder chips keys or if you lose them, it's crucial to have a backup key made as soon as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can repair the key fob or design an uncut key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to provide the same functions like the original key.
Transponder key replacements can be a costly undertaking However, it's typically less expensive than paying to have your vehicle towed and retrieved following theft. Additionally, it can be less time-consuming than visiting a dealership.
In addition to being able to repair or replace your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions as well as other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for various makes and models of vehicles and are an ideal choice if require a replacement for your spare key or lose key.
It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from getting it lost or misplaced in the first place, and will help you locate your car when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a prominent area, you can keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
In the majority of modern cars keys are required in addition to the traditional metal car keys. Key fobs look more like a smartphone rather than a car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars allow you to "summon" your vehicle by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is a great option for those who need to get into a congested parking space.
Sometimes car keys fail to function at the worst possible time. You may be at the station, on your route to pick up groceries, or driving home after a busy day, only to discover that you forgot the spare key. This can be very frustrating! Luckily, the majority of our stores can repair and make new key replacements right on the spot.
If your car is equipped with a remote key, it has a small chip in it which needs to be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to complete your errands before picking up your car keys.
Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct fob or key for your specific car.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or if you want to feel secure. We have the equipment and expertise to design an extra key that will last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it safe!